Dr. Alexander (Sasha) Kauffman
Dr. Kauffman is a full Professor in the Department Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
About the Kauffman Lab
The Kauffman Lab at UC San Diego, directed by Dr. Alexander (Sasha) Kauffman, uses a variety of molecular, cellular, physiological and neuroanatomical techniques to study how the brain and hormones interact to control reproduction in mammals. More specifically, we assess how neural circuits (such as those utilizing kisspeptin, NKB, dynorphin, or RFRP-3) stimulate or inhibit Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, thereby regulating the neuroendocrine reproductive axis. Our studies use rodent models to examine the regulation of fertility in adulthood as well as the control of the reproductive axis in development, including puberty and critical periods of sexual differentiation. Our goal is to better understand the hormonal and neural (brain) mechanisms underlying reproduction in order to improve fertility treatments in humans, elucidate novel contraceptive methods, and enhance treatment of pubertal and developmental disorders.
Lab Research
Lab Location
The Kauffman Lab is located at Leichtag Biomedical Research Building, 332-CC